After unveiling its new HERE maps app for iOS last week, Nokia has officially released the free cloud-based map service, giving Apple users another alternative to its lackluster homegrown navigation application.

The program will be available across multiple mobile operating systems in due time, however iOS users can currently download the application from Apple’s App Store. Customers have encountered a slew of problems with the iPhone maker’s updated maps app since its inception with iOS 6, so much so that Apple CEO Tim Cook issued an apology for the software, opening the door for third-party manufacturers to develop navigation platforms to fill the void.

While Google is reportedly working away on its own iteration of a mapping app for Apple devices, Nokia’s HERE maps could provide a suitable substitute for users in the meantime. With early reviews of the program claiming it is still a bit buggy, the app has all the makings to become a popular option.

Like most mapping solutions, HERE offers users voice-guided directions, as well as several views for maps, satellites, public transports, and live traffic, with subscribers able to narrow down the cause of traffic by accidents, construction and congestion. Similar to the ‘My Places’ catalog, users can keep track of places to remember in ‘Collections’ on the app, while they can also save a particular area of a map for future reference.

Subscribers can also easily sort directions via driving, waking or public transportation.

While Nokia’s offering isn’t likely to stop iOS users from yearning for their older Maps, which was based on Google’s software, the Finnish manufacturer does know a thing or two about mapping. Owners of Apple devices running iOS 4.3 and higher can download Nokia HERE now, while anxious Android users can get the unofficial version of the app from the Google Play store presently, though patience may pay off for those who wait for the real deal.